As I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, I groggily reached over to silence it. The clock read 5:00 AM.

"Last exam day," I reminded myself, throwing off the covers.

I stretched, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness.

"Today's the day," I said aloud, shaking off the slumber.

I headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine, feeling a sense of determination.

I headed to bathroom, letting out a yawn as I removed my pair of cute socks.

Glancing at my phone, I groaned at the time: 5:04 AM. "Yeah, waking up early my ass, for studying. " I muttered, shaking my head".

Despite the late hour, I dragged my weary feet to the bathroom, determined to stick to my skincare routine. "If I don't do it at least once, shoop! There goes my clear skin," I reminded myself.

I carefully removed my eye contacts and began my morning ritual, cleansing and moisturizing my skin with precision.

"Time to ace this exam and finish strong!" I told myself, splashing water on my face.

The morning of my last paper had finally arrived, and I was eager to wrap up my exams. As I headed to the examination hall, my mind wandered to the celebration awaiting me later - Arundhati's wedding.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. One more paper to go, and then I could let my hair down.

After the exam, I planned to rush home, change quickly, and head to the wedding venue. Arundhati had been a close cousin since childhood, and I wouldn't miss her special day for the world.

The thought of her beaming smile, adorned in vibrant wedding attire, filled me with joy. I couldn't wait to join the festivities, dance the night away, and shower her with love and blessings.

First, though, I had to tackle this final paper.
"Maa, good morning!" I said, entering the kitchen.

"Good morning, beta! Aaj exam hai, na? Kaisi hai tu?" (Today's the exam, right? How are you feeling?) Mom asked, sipping her green tea.

"Main thik hoon, Maa. Bas ek paper bacha hai." (I'm fine, Mom. Just one paper left.)

Mom smiled, handing me a bowl of curd with sugar (dahi shakar). "Here, baby. This will give you good luck. And remember, stay calm and focused."

Dad, sitting nearby with his Apple iPad, looked up from the newspaper he was reading online. "Niyu, relax. Keep a cool mind. Read the questions carefully, and manage your time well."

"Thanks, Papa. Aap office nahin ja rahe aaj?" (Aren't you going to the office today?)

"Arre, nahin. Aru ki shaadi hai, na? Maine leave liya hai. I'll drop you to the exam center, okay?" (No, I've taken leave for Aru's wedding.)

I replied to him, " no dad you take rest ramesh dada (our driver uncle)
hai na he' ll drop me".

Mom chimed in, "And don't forget to wear your favorite kurti/dress for good luck, sweetie."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Maa, you know me too well."

With their blessings and encouragement, I headed out, feeling confident and loved.

The early morning bustle of the city was in full swing. Niyati sat in the car, her mind racing with the last-minute formulas and theories she'd studied for the exam. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Mumbai ka traffic, Sar dard.

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, where anything can happen in the blink of an eye. The city of dreams for millions.

Niyati ko pata tha isilye woh jaldi ghar se nikali thi, lekin aaj exam center pahuchne se pehle, woh already late ho chuki thi.

Niyati gazed out of the car window, her eyes scanning the gridlocked Mumbai streets. "Driver bhaiya, kya hai? Itni traffic?" she asked, her voice tinged with impatience.

Driver Ramesh, a gruff but kind man, stepped out to investigate. He returned, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Ek black Fortuner car road ke beech mein rok kar rakhi hai, madam. Shayad car band padi hai."

Niyati already irritated said ,"Toh side se nikalo na, bhaiya."

As a typical Indian would say she asked her driver to change the lane.

Ramesh hesitated. "Nahi, madam. Police protection hai. Koi VIP hai."

Niyati's curiosity piqued, she leaned forward, her eyes scanning the black Fortuner.

Just then, a figure emerged from the car, his phone glued to his ear. A handsome clad in a black shirt and blue ripped jeans wearing a long bohemian looking pendant necklace and messy hair exuded an air of effortless cool. A black leather jacket slung over his shoulder, his watch glinting in the sunlight.

(Black is an effortless and timeless classic. The beauty of black will never go out of style.)

"Haan, yaar, main samajh gaya. Tu mere liye yaha new car bhej dega, na?" he spoke into the phone, his deep voice dripping with confidence.

As he listened, his eyes scanned the surrounding cars, locking onto Niyati's gaze for a fleeting moment. A spark of recognition flashed, but he quickly looked away, continuing his conversation.

Niyati's eyes lingered on him, observing his chiseled features, the sharp jawline, and piercing brown eyes. His messy hair added to his rugged charm.

But then she was interupted by her thoughts, City life is a never-ending sprint, with daily commuting consuming a significant chunk of our time. But what's even more frustrating is when the roads are blocked for VIP movements, leaving common citizens like us stranded.

Imagine being stuck in traffic, worried about reaching the hospital for a medical emergency or making it to an important meeting on time, only to find out that the road is barricaded for a politician's convoy. The irony is palpable - they're probably attending a relative's inauguration or some other non-essential event.

"Kaun hai yeh?" Niyati ne socha.

Usne car ka darwaza khola, aur voh uss ladke se baat karne chali gayi.

As Niyati walked by, she noticed an actress concealed behind sunglasses and a mask, sitting in a plush car. She beckoned the young man standing nearby.

(Niyati ko dikha ki ek actress baithi hui thi, sunglasses aur mask mein uski car main.)

"Hello, listen!" Niyati called that guy(ne kaha uss ladke ko bulate hue).

He clearly ignored her hence she called him again.When he pretended not to hear, Niyati's irritation grew.

Niyati ne phir kaha, "Koi problem hai kya?"

("Do you have any problem? Could I have a word?" Niyati asked, her tone firm but polite.)

The man finally hung up his phone and turned to look at her. He had a charming smile and Niyati couldn't help but feel a little flustered.

(Ladke ne phone rakh diya, aur mud kar dekha.)

"Nahi, mujhe toh koi problem nahi hai. Aapko hai kya, miss pretty zinta?" usne muskurakar kaha.

Niyati ne gusse mai usse answer kiya,

"Mujhe hai aapke vajah se mujhe late ho raha. Aapne pura traffic rok kar rakha hai. Can you tell your police officers to make a lane for others jinhe emergency hai?"

He just smiled and said,

"Tumhe pata bhi hai tum kisse baat kar rahi ho ? Sorry, agle 10 minute tak toh ye traffic nahi hat sakta. Maine mere friend se kaha hai, yaha mere liye new car bhejne ko."

Niyati was taken aback by his arrogance and she started lecturing him. Whenever she is angry she starts speaking english probably because of too much studies she feels comfortable to talk like that.

" Tum samajhte kya ho apne aap ko ha? Tumhari vajese sab ko late ho raha."

  (Who the hell do you think you are? Because of you, everyone is getting late for their work. Common man has to suffer.We have appointments,work everyone is not privileged to be free like you.")

He replied arrogantly to her :

"By the way, I am Reyansh Khurana, son of famous politician. You should be lucky that you're even getting a chance to talk with me."

Niyati was already irritated and agitated, before she could say something Reyansh interupted her.

"You have guts, I like you," he smiled back shamelessly.

He flashed a sly wink and slipped on his shades.

(Fir Usne wink kiya aur apne sunglasses pehne.)

Just then, a convoy of sleek Range Rovers pulled up, forming a impressive line.

Waiting at a signal, I watched as a convoy of six VIP vehicles zoomed past from the wrong side of the road. The traffic police saluted them, while I was forced to wait despite having a green signal.

Feeling helpless, I realized that speaking out would be futile. The VIP culture is entrenched, and we're mere spectators.

"Now you can leave, because I am leaving too. Too much drama for a day," Reyansh said to me while turning his back towards me.

The Actress shed her goggles and mask, revealing her radiant face, and slipped into a waiting Range Rover.

Meanwhile, Reyansh instructed the mechanic to ready his Fortuner and then settled into the Range Rover beside her.

"Thanks, yaar. I was so afraid to call dad. U helped me, my man," usne phone par kaha. He further added " Accha I'll reach there in 10 mins arjun wait for me and he sat in one of the cars".

I heard the name Arjun first time in my life at that time I don't know why but it felt very familiar to me.

Aur phir, traffic khul gaya.

Niyati apni car mein baith kar exam center chali gayi.

The exam went smoother than Niyati had anticipated, and as she stepped out of the hall, the weight of her academic responsibilities lifted. The joy of finishing her exams was palpable. She quickly made her way home, eager to change and leave for Arundhati's wedding.

(Exams over ho gaye. Last paper tha. Niyati ne socha finally exams khatam enjoyment suru yaay!!)

Raj Vanshi Mansion

Reyansh, clad in his signature black ensemble - t-shirt, leather jacket, jeans, and shoes - arrived at the opulent Raj Vanshi Mansion.

Upon entering, he met Arjun, who was visibly irritated. Arjun rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. He was already running late for office, and Reyansh's arrival wasn't helping.

"Rey, get serious for once. Drop the playboy act," Arjun shouted, exasperated by his friend's antics.

Reyansh chuckled. "What playboy? My car broke down in traffic; what could I do?"

Arjun raised an eyebrow. "After partying all night and racing with your friends, it's no surprise the car shut down."

Reyansh grinned mischievously. "Okay, okay, chill Arjun. I was just having some fun."

Arjun's expression softened. "Rey, how many times have I told you to stop partying on weekdays?"

Arjun exclaimed, "Did you cause any more trouble?"

Reyansh held up his hands. "No way. Thanks for not telling Dad; he'd worry about his political image if he finds out."

"Come on, Arjun. Life's too short. Besides, someone's got to keep the city's nightlife alive," Reyansh chuckled.

Arjun raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. "And someone's got to keep your father's blood pressure in check."

Reyansh shrugged. "Don't worry, Dad's got more important things to worry about. Like his next election."

Reyansh plopped onto the couch beside Arjun he smirked,

"You remind me of that cute girl from the traffic incident. She's just like you - argumentative and fearless."

Arjun's curiosity piqued. "Which girl?"

Reyansh answered. "The one who lectured me in the middle of traffic just like you."

Arjun's eyes narrowed. "At least someone has the brains and guts to scold you.I thought girls only fall for your charm."

Reyansh chuckled. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Just then, Reyansh's phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:

"Meet me at Cafe Blue tonight. We need to talk."

Reyansh's heart skipped a beat.

Hey everyone how did u find this chapter? I hope you liked it
I am new to writing so please bear with me

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